Physicians Suggest New Target Structure for Deep Brain Stimulation, University of Bonn Study

1/31/2011 7:44:21 AM

News-Medical -- Nearly ten percent of all cases of depression are so severe that the patients do not respond to any established treatment method. Targeted stimulation of areas in the brain using a type of "brain pacemaker" has recently raised hopes: According to initial studies, half of patients with the most severe depression treated in this manner see a significant improvement in mood. Physicians from the University of Bonn, together with colleagues from the US, have suggested a new target structure for deep brain stimulation (as it is technically called). They hope to achieve an even better success rate with fewer side effects. The work has been published in the renowned "Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews" (doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2010.12.009).